I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more important consideration that I don't think has been fully addressed - the long-term impact of claiming at 64 vs waiting. While everyone's focused on the immediate family benefits (which is great!), remember that your reduced benefit at 64 is permanent. You'll receive roughly 13-15% less for the rest of your life compared to waiting until your full retirement age. However, there's a potential silver lining with your situation: even though YOUR benefit is permanently reduced, your children's benefits are still calculated on your full PIA. So in a way, claiming early actually maximizes the total family benefit during the years your kids are eligible (until they turn 18/19). Once they age out, you'll be left with just your reduced benefit, but you'll have had several years of additional family income. Given that you're making $30K annually and would face the earnings test, you might want to run the numbers both ways: 1) Start now with reduced benefits but potential earnings test issues, or 2) Wait until full retirement age when there's no earnings test and your personal benefit is maximized. The "break-even" point might be closer than you think when you factor in the family benefits you'd receive in the interim years.

I actually ran those numbers when I was in a similar situation a few years ago! For a family with two minor children, the break-even point often falls around 7-9 years after claiming early, depending on your benefit amount and the family maximum. Here's why: Let's say your PIA is $2,000. At 64, you'd get about $1,700, but your kids would still get benefits based on the full $2,000. With the family maximum, you might see total family benefits of around $3,500/month vs just your $1,700 if you waited. That extra $1,800/month for several years can add up to $50,000-70,000 by the time your youngest turns 18. Even accounting for your permanently reduced benefit afterward, it often takes 7-9 years of the higher individual benefit to make up that difference. Of course, this assumes you can manage the earnings test issue - if you're losing benefits due to working, the math changes completely. I ended up claiming early and it worked out well for our family's cash flow during those expensive teenage years!

I went through this same situation about 2 years ago when I got approved for SSDI at age 59. My husband was already receiving his benefits and I thought I'd automatically get the spousal top-up, but I was wrong! You definitely have to apply separately - nothing is automatic with SSA unfortunately. What I learned is that even if half your husband's benefit seems higher than yours, the age reduction can really eat into that amount. At 61, you're looking at about a 27% reduction on the spousal portion. So if half his benefit is $1300, after reduction it would be closer to $950, which is actually less than your $1400 SSDI payment. My advice: still apply now to get it on record, but don't expect much additional money until you hit full retirement age. The good news is if you do qualify for even a small amount, you'll get backpay from when you first applied. I used the local SSA office for my application since the online system kept glitching on spousal benefit forms. Good luck!

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 63 and just got approved for SSDI at $1200/month, while my husband gets $2400. I was also hoping for that spousal top-up, but now I understand the age reduction factor better. One thing I wanted to add - when I called my local SSA office directly (not the 1-800 number), I actually got through pretty quickly. The local offices seem less overwhelmed than the national phone system. The representative there explained that even if you don't qualify for additional benefits now due to the age reduction, having the spousal benefit application on file is important because when you reach FRA, they can automatically recalculate and start paying the higher amount without you having to reapply. Also, she mentioned that if your husband's benefit increases due to cost-of-living adjustments over the years, your spousal benefit calculation will also increase, which might eventually put you over the threshold even before FRA. So definitely worth applying now even if the immediate payout is zero!

Just wanted to add that you should also be prepared for the application process to take some time. When I applied for divorced spouse benefits, it took about 6-8 weeks to process even though I had all the documentation ready. The good news is that if approved, they'll backdate the payments to when you first became eligible. Also, make sure to keep copies of everything you submit - your divorce decree, marriage certificate, and any correspondence with SSA. The system can be slow but you're definitely entitled to these benefits based on what you've described. Good luck with your application!

This is such valuable information for anyone in a similar situation! I'm going through something comparable - I'm 62 and just applied for SSDI after a lengthy battle. My ex and I were married for 18 years before divorcing 4 years ago. Reading through all these responses really helps clarify the process. One thing I'd add is that when you call SSA, try calling first thing in the morning right when they open at 8 AM - I've had better luck getting through then rather than mid-day. Also, if you're having trouble reaching them by phone, some local SSA offices allow walk-ins for certain types of applications, though you'll want to call ahead to confirm. The divorced spouse benefit can really make a significant difference financially, so definitely don't give up if the first person you talk to seems confused about the rules - sometimes it takes speaking with a supervisor or specialist to get accurate information.

One important detail I forgot to mention: if you apply for the divorced spouse benefit, make sure you specify you're applying for the "divorced spouse benefit" and not trying to file on your own record again. Sometimes the intake people get confused when you're already receiving SSDI and try to tell you that you've already filed. Be specific that you're filing for the additional benefit based on your ex-spouse's record.

Just wanted to add something that might help with your decision - you can actually request a benefit estimate from SSA before formally applying. This way you'll know exactly what you'd be eligible for on your ex-husband's record versus your current SSDI amount. I did this when I was considering spousal benefits and it saved me from going through the whole application process only to find out I wouldn't get any additional money. The estimate request is much faster than a full application and will give you the concrete numbers you need to decide if it's worth pursuing.

One thing I'd add - since you're planning to work until June but start benefits in January, make sure your employer knows about your SS benefits starting. Sometimes HR departments need to adjust payroll withholdings or update their records. Also, you might want to consider whether you'll need to make estimated tax payments since SS benefits can be taxable depending on your total income. With your work income plus SS benefits, you could potentially owe more taxes than what's being withheld. The IRS has worksheets to help calculate if your SS will be taxable - generally if your combined income (AGI + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for single filers or $32,000 for married filing jointly, some portion becomes taxable.

As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm the online application is definitely the way to go! A few additional tips based on my experience: 1) Make sure you print or save a copy of your completed application confirmation - the SSA system sometimes has glitches and having your confirmation number is crucial if you need to follow up. 2) Don't be surprised if they ask for additional documentation even after you submit everything online. I had to upload a copy of my marriage certificate even though I included all the dates in the original application. 3) Consider setting up direct deposit to a checking account rather than savings - some banks charge fees for government deposits to savings accounts. The whole process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, so applying in October/November for January benefits should give you plenty of buffer time. Good luck!